Can Swordtail live with Tiger Shrimp?
Not recommended
Why
- Swordtail will eat adult Tiger Shrimp (a small dwarf shrimp).
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 7–7.2.
- No overlapping water hardness: Swordtail wants 12–30 dGH but Tiger Shrimp wants 3–8 dGH.
Side-by-side
| Swordtail | Tiger Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 68–77°F |
| pH | 7–8.4 | 6.2–7.2 |
| Hardness (GH) | 12–30 dGH | 3–8 dGH |
| Adult size | 5.5" | 1" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 29 gal | 5 gal |
Together, plan on at least 29 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of Swordtail (to keep Tiger Shrimp):
- Variatus Platy — 2.75", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Pygmy Cory — 1", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) — 2.5", semi-aggressive buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Instead of Tiger Shrimp (to keep Swordtail):
- Amano Shrimp — 2", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Bamboo / Wood Shrimp — 3.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Vampire Shrimp — 6", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Where to buy
- Swordtail: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Tiger Shrimp: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Swordtail · …with Tiger Shrimp